A New USC Identity

[@paulk.4261]

Either our OL "steps up", or Josh Henson gets replaced, or Miller Moss relies more on the 50/50 ball to Duce/Jakobi when he has less than a nano-second to get rid of the ball. ✌

[@avs9800]

Henson needs to replaced. He’s had 3 years and it’s still the same story

[@IBACAbob]

Completely agree on cutting ties with Bear. Given his character and work ethic, the perfect landing spot for him is across town, where he could be more accurately known as Bruin Alexander.

[@gordonames1892]

BEARS GOING TO HAVE BIG PEOBLEMS INTERVIEWING WITH THE PROS. WHY CANT YOU PLAY FOR REILEY, HENNY AND LYNN?

[@jayvto5992]

Don't think it's the O-line, it's the O-line coach. The first year, CW ran for his life and PAC12 didn't know how to adjust to CW. 2nd year, USC played better teams with better defense and adjusted to CW mobilly, the 3rd year, same issues but MM is not scrambling and is getting pounded. It seems like nothing has changed with the O-line last 3 years. USC playing better defense in the B10 and it's not looking good for MM. I think this type of O-line is built for a mobile QB and not a prostyle QB. That's what I see. 🤔

[@drbuckley1]

Bear made his bed.

[@dnamatrixsystems1407]

Dude, the O-line is holiding the team back!!!

[@highstrangekid]

Exactly. If they had an elite o-line, Woody would be running all over everyone and this offense would be putting up 40+ pts every game.

[@Unisouthcentral]

Nope it’s miller

[@highstrangekid]

@@Unisouthcentral don't know ball, thnx for sharing

[@Unisouthcentral]

@@highstrangekid I been right on all my predictions I even predicted him throwing a pick 6 against Michigan because he constantly stares his wr’s down I predicted that on the close calls of the lsu and Louisville game i predicted he’s not gon be able to make the deep passes because his arm isn’t strong enough that’s why we haven’t got many he’s a great game manager and a check down merchant it’s easy to beat the pressure when you just check it down

[@gordonames1892]

THEY ARE YOUNG. WHEN HARBOUGH TOOK OVER MICHIGAN, HIS OLINE STRUGGED UNTIL THEY BECAME JUNIORS AND SENIORS

[@HerkamerT]

You answered your own question. OL is weak plus your receivers are young. Not enough experience, give them time. 2 TE will help OL.

[@hermanllamas9775]

I totally agree with everything you’re saying about bear Alexandra. I wanted the guy to be a great Trojan. I was rooting for him. I don’t understand how he can make such a terrible decision at this juncture of his career.

[@LockedOnUSC]

✌♥

[@JamesClampitt-ju5jd]

The new identity seems to be:. We play flat in the first half and play great in the 2nd half.

[@Zerokool55]

Reminds me of the pete days

[@Trojan_in_Hawaii]

Thanks, Marc, for my “first listen every day”! Remember back to six months ago when we were all worried about our O-Line? Valid concerns! All we can do is hope the coaches can unlock the potential of the young guys and that they can get on the same wavelength of thinking. As I commented back then, we will see just how good these coaches are as the season unfolds. The scary thing is we have 12 days to get good enough so we can beat PSU. 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 FIGHT ON!!!✌️✌️✌️

[@LockedOnUSC]

✌♥

[@waldosilas919]

The defense is better without Bear. The kid was causing problems in practice. That effect other players.

[@m.pitt765]

💯 Exactly on Point!

[@danielmcd1]

Too bad but we have to have a strong team with everyone on the same page ...

[@tytheguy4646]

I don’t believe that’s the case. There was no indication of that. We’re 100% better with bears added depth

[@waldosilas919]

That was the case, why do you think they didn't let him practice and kicked off the team.

[@tytheguy4646]

@@waldosilas919 because he’s not bigger than the team?

[@markh3088]

If we come out flat against Pee State, we will lose.

[@fredtheveteran4623]

Against Minnesota too they almost beat Michigan

[@m.pitt765]

SC will Beat JOE Pa's Ped St. Lions

[@MrJaiden23]

@markh3088 I see what ypu did there!

[@christiangonzalez4035]

The day our o-line really gets going, SC will give any team in the top 10 a run for their money.

[@christenragland8982]

We have to remember, our offense is very young, we have only 2 seniors and multiple true sohpmores and first time starters om offense. Our defense is full of seniors and players with experience. Kudos to the defense of play.

[@charlesgordon7212]

The OL is young and is developing. It takes 4 and 5 year players to reach its apex. Troy will be a better team 2025 / 2026 when frosh and soph mature and Miller will be mature this and next season. Troy will a better team next year. Give me 5 senior OL guys, (think Texas) 5 and 6 year experience and you will able rush for 2 K yards.

[@chadwilcox6910]

I hope SC stopped paying Bear, and took away his high rise apartment.

[@anthonyspears1994]

Why should we prepare him for another team, we have no obligation to him!

[@byrongray5466]

#FightOn!✌

[@lindaluick5699]

I was worried about the offense this summer.

[@ernestogalvan-ib7bt]

Love it Marc! Feed us the live updates! Love to hear that our Trojan Team will not accept these unacceptable tactics!

[@derekdemarco28]

Mark Rock'n that "Canter's" tee-shirt. Canters was one of the spots we would hit after the club back in the 70's, we don't have that here in Indonesia. I would love to see someone wear that #55 again. They have to be a special player though.

[@LockedOnUSC]

The service still sucks but the food is the same! LOL✌

[@derekdemarco28]

@@LockedOnUSC First stop after Tommy's when I get back to Los Angeles.😎

[@lindaluick5699]

I love Su’a Cravens. He tells it like it is. Even Troy Polamalu did not wear 55.

[@seanyoung7713]

Because he was a safety, the premier DL/OLB wears 55

[@lindaluick5699]

@@seanyoung7713 got it!

[@lindaluick5699]

@@seanyoung7713 got it!

[@TonyB-rv9qd]

It shouldn't take 3 yrs to develop an offensive line to compete at this level. I see 3 & 4 star Offensive Linemen competing at a higher level than USC within the Big-10 Conference.⚠️

[@aaronlee5656]

It should take 3 years to develop an offensive line. Look at the 2022 class. No linemen. So in reality 2023 was the first building blocks for offensive and defensive linemen. We are asking 19 year olds to play against 5th and 6th year seniors consistently. It’ll get better. We easily have the least experienced line in the Big so obviously other teams upperclassmen offensive line looks better. Michigan didn’t build a national championship TEAM in 3 years. It took Hatbaugh 10 years. Give it time.

[@izzysantanaH60D]

@@aaronlee5656I agree wit u but u got Ryan Williams out here cookin 6 year vets

[@halfbreed7208]

@Mr Marc Kulkin ✌🏽 Fight On. Fam ‼️ I concur with everything that you’re saying on your great 😊 show right now. I also am going to say this because I understand .. you can’t the individual or individuals complaining about you having an @ halftime about the Trojans ✌🏽play Wisconsin game the way the USC were playing they’re not homers cause I’m a homer so are you they’re not even into reality 😵‍💫 they need help 👀👀 because at the Coli we were Booing and I was doing the thing something never did and it was loud 👀👀👀 and they brought their butts ✌🏽💪🏽😤out there and play Trojan ✌🏽💪🏽😤 football 🏈 so I could care less about what that person 👀👀 is saying they are none existence 👀👀 to me as a Trojan ✌🏽💪🏽😤 alumni 👨🏽‍🎓 myself @ USC ✌🏽💪🏽😤 we accept excellent ‼️ at minimum on the field your effort I digress carry on, sir

[@LockedOnUSC]

✌♥

[@robertalmaraz3817]

You also gotta remember that the one position that takes the longest to develop is the old line you got a bunch freshman and sophomore they say if you got a good freshman time is a junior he’s going to be great. Takes time to develop so you understand that part of it.

[@hermanllamas9775]

Marc! good morning several reasons why the USC offense has not been explosive, number one offensive line is young and inconsistent, and that needs to get better fast, number two receivers are young and just starting out and you can tell by drop passes and drop TD’s, but they are coming along, and finally we haven’t played four consecutive good quarters against top tier defenses. I believe that will come around, each needs to keep in Tight-in in the beginning of the games for protection, as well as a running back chipping D lineman and also being used as an outlet just in case Miller Moss gets pressured. We have a lot of sophomore growing pains and I believe every team in the country goes through this so I think we’re in a good spot nonetheless. The great part about this team is that they are getting better in the second half which is great to see. Love the show keep up the great work. Peace.

[@TonyB-rv9qd]

Poor O-LINE Execution! Bottom Line Marc... Time for a competent OL Coach!!!

[@DMAN-o2e]

Or maybe it's just the lack of talent USC has recruited the last X amount of years? It seems USC recruited a lot of O-line & D-line talent that ended up signing with other programs. USC has been great signing the 4 & 5-star wideout's(athletes) in bunches, but not so great with the big uglies. The portal has been the one thing that's saved them a bit on the lines. Thanx for listening.

[@TonyB-rv9qd]

@@DMAN-o2e That's a Fair Point. You have to recruit talented athletic young men with the ability to compete at the next level. Like evolving from the collegiate level to the pro level. Winning football 🏈 games helps Big along with a leader also, one that they believe in and capable of taking them to the Mountain Top; "That's the Goal"

[@DMAN-o2e]

@@TonyB-rv9qd I'm a UNLV guy, but I pay attention to west coast teams, particularly west coast teams like USC. I mean, how can you not pay attention to a USC? The one true iconic program out west. What I'm seeing is a lack of overall talent on the lines, particularly depth. Elijah Page looks like a future star, but at this point, he should be a #2 on the depth chart, and Alani Noa does not look ready as a starter either, and like Page, should be a #2. The lack of recruiting has forced USC to use them now as starters when they aren't ready as full time starters. Every game I watch, those two are getting pushed back by the opposing d-lines often, particularly Noa, who looks lost quite often. Had they recruited better, those two would of had time to develop, but that lack of recruiting has caused a lack of talent & depth issues, forcing USC to go with what they have. IMO, if MM wasn't so quick with his release, it would be a different story already this year. That quick release is saving the O-line & USC, but will that eventually catch up to them? Also, while his release is saving them, it's also not allowing the receivers to get separation, which makes USC less explosive on offensive the way they use to be. Anyways, thanx for listening.

[@villageboi2088]

The issue is the O-line. Can’t really do anything on offense if the line don’t block. MM needs time to pick defensive apart, give WR time to get down field and to get the running game going. It all starts in the trenches. We gotta get together as the season goes on. FightOn✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽✌🏽

[@christenragland8982]

It wasn't a play calling issue. We move the ball up and down the field and offense self destructed each time. It was lack of discipline. Multiple false starts and turnovers, and drop passed by wr. Nothing to do with play calling.

[@frunkdup828]

💯💯🎯 🎯3 first half turnovers stopped held the offense back

[@asianwoof]

It's not just offense, the defense also struggles in the first half. I'd chalk half of it on trying to see and diagnose the opponent's plays and schemes. Caleb's ability to make plays allowed the offense to move regardless of the opponent's schemes. The other half of the problem is the lack of energy and focus, at least in the Wisconsin game.

[@Footballfan49-L5]

Not harsh Mark….big lesson for him to learn. Everything has consequences. Offense will start quick this week…just feel it in my old bones. ✌️

[@hrpickinstuff]

I like this defensive effort but this is unbelievable: 1. A DL coached by Henderson does not have a sack going into week 5. 2. The (Doug Belk) secondary does not have an interception going into week 5. 3. The (Shaun Nua) DE's have 1.5 sacks in 4 weeks but those came from Shelby and Thompkins not starters Anthony Lucas and Muhammad. Despite being one of the worst defenses in the nation is sacks. IMHO they are playing great. This is just one of those odd anomalies. Normally when you see teams with no pass rush they are not sitting at 3-1. Boise State leads the nation in sacks with 19 with almost 5 per game.

[@highstrangekid]

This is how the spring game looked. Defense was strong, offense was timid. They're young, and they need a better o-line. There's zero reason a guy like Woody Marks shouldn't be running at least 100 yds/game.

[@Therealstrikeforce]

It’s not that deep , USC offense skill positions are young and have to learn in real time , relax.

[@enospitch9466]

Fight On !

[@johnavalos4097]

I am raising my hand Marc! How could you not see offensive problems coming into this season? They could not run ball last year and they were bringing in an inexperienced line. I have never been a big fan of Riley’s big play offense. It’s always been to finesse for my liking. To me it’s like living on Junk food. Gives you quick burst of energy but not sustainable through whole game like a plate of nutritious food. Not enough time consuming, pounding drives when needed!

[@ernestogalvan-ib7bt]

Yes, our offense is not running on all cylinders. I think it’s just a combination of things such as line, play calling, and Miller is not mobile enough. To his defense, reference our line. We need more screens, short crossing routes, isolate Branch and let him fly.

[@quegacho077]

Young Oline so there is going to be a hold back in production, getting a cohesive line group together takes game reps.

[@PhatLvis]

It was Beavers, as the last man to beat, who saved a TD on SC's kickoff after the pick-6 - sprawling to just barely tap the returner out of bounds. Moss's horribly-thrown INT was hardly the fault of Branch - who'd in fact beaten his man and would've been off to the races, but had to stop and come back to the ball thrown directly to the DB. The QB, of course, made up for it, and capped his day with SC's best run of the season, where he not only became Caleb Williams (a power he might access a little more when under pressure), but - literally - put his own Spin on Branch's patented airborne pirouette move.

[@kkid85]

ENOUGH about Bear! Who cares! Let's focus on the players - Who Want to be a Trojan - Who Want to be a team member - Who Want to work & sacrifice He's in the past, Let's focus in the present-futture. Mention Bear on your Daily Show I turn you off. Tired of you and others dwelling on these negative attention headlines. Focus on the 100 great Trojan team members

[@christenragland8982]

I don think its Riley play calling. Its has to call plays and throw deep when you have a line that can't block. We do not have a speed receiver that can stretch the defense. Every team is going to rush four and play zone behind us. We have to dink and dump and take what defense gives up. The line does not block well enoigh for us to run consistently which means teams do not have to commit extra defenders to the box and just sit back in 2 deep zone and keep everything in front of them

[@johnavalos4097]

The Oline is going to have a hard time developing if they keep running it at a 38% clip. Development starts with fundamentals and that is emphasizing run game. Riley needs to instill some confidence in his young Oline by emphasizing run and building physicality. Riley is holding offense back. He is still to finesse!

[@bartwilloughby2909]

Lincoln Riley is moving pieces around trying to Figure out what works and what doesn’t work. Lincoln Riley is still trying to find out this teams identity. 🤫

[@davidkeeling4419]

You mentioned it many times as most of us know it already.... This is LR's 3rd season here at USC and the shape of this program right now, good or bad, is his doing. The O-line is a mess and is getting our QB subject to being carried off the field. It reminds me of Clay Helton's O-line's and look what happened to his QBs.

[@Tony-zt8vz]

Its the offensive line and yes its a concern. We can't do anything because we're not stout up front, period! I understand that Minnesota's defense is elite.

[@musingsofawokehebrew3356]

Funny you are complaining about sc offense but teams in the big 10 are scared shitless about our offense....riley is clearly evolving as a coach ....but he should have gotten rid of henson along with grinch....same o- line issues as last year....its not the players ...ps he ( henson ) cant recruit either...sounds familiar doesnt it... grinch couldn't recruit and henson can't recruit or coach them up.....

[@izzysantanaH60D]

It think it’s our O Line that’s holding us bacc on offense but not just the O Line & can we talk about branch why is he gettin limited touches ?

[@frunkdup828]

Zach is SC’s most targeted receiver

[@izzysantanaH60D]

@@frunkdup828 I think jakobi or Hudson is I could be wrong

[@treygibson957]

Zach is getting his looks but something is off with him. He doesn't look like the explosive freshman he was last year. He had a catch on Saturday that he would've taken to the house last year. He also had a catch in the Michigan game that last year would've been a TD. He's in some sort of slump

[@frunkdup828]

SC’s offensive issues come down to these two factors - OL play is subpar - too many drops of easy passes by receivers

[@jimmiewilliams9997]

I love me some Marc. But if he’s allowed to give his opinion on new old news, so am I. I would love more context on how bear grew up his relationship with his father figure, if he truly wanted this decision or was majority this his mentor what was bears personality like how did his teammates like him. As of right now I’m sympathetic to bear. I don’t know if I should be but without context, I feel, though, as you’re kind of laying into the young man.

[@rhyanbeckford6806]

I agree. You definitely can't transfer if you wear the number 55.

[@bartwilloughby2909]

LR is throwing to Branch early in Routes that Don’t work. This is leading to their slow start .

[@markalpert5428]

The defense still isn't getting much of a pass rush. Could be problems against a good passing QB.

[@chadwilcox6910]

Riley is not exploiting mismatches. Against Mich he kept running the ball down the middle and into Mich’s strong D-Line. Sark knew to run to the outside. Against Wisc, JaKobi and Duece were covered by a 5’8 corner- yet we only went to them a few times. They were open all day. I love Branch, but his returns have been horrible. Never knows when to fair catch and is insecure about what he’s doing. Branch gave away 2 interceptions by allowing the DB to step in and steal the ball. He’ll be great but he needs more training. Also Miava needs some packages to keep blitzing D off balance and to preserve Miller

[@gordonames1892]

BRANCHS JUDGEMENTS ARE QUESTIONABLE AT TIMES

[@jayrod1980]

Also, they need to stop running Woody right into the middle of the defense. If you are going to just run dives you need to do it with Joyner. Otherwise scheme up more creative run plays!

[@davidcastaneda8403]

72 has to be on rotation.

[@christenragland8982]

✌✌✌✌

[@davidkeeling4419]

No Marc, I'd call this team the "second Half Football Team". Nothing seems to happen good in the first half. And LR seems to blow away any questions he gets concerning this problem.

[@wetfish338]

Riley needs to hire an OC let that person do the play calling.

[@Jaime-u5m]

The Bear saga is our collective story, the consequences of the dysfunction of my community/people. The young brother is toxic, and ties should be cut. Not easy escaping our reality like coach Henny. Damn!

[@Footballfan49-L5]

Don’t water down the requirements needed to wear 55. Must play 2 seasons no transfers out. I would like the candidate to come in from high school but probably won’t need to.

[@martystgeorge6185]

#55... NOT out of high school. Stud in HS could be because he's playing scout team quality players. D1 yes but not elite. Need to prove/earn the honor. Agree on the contract. All compensation from the Universities now that players will be employees need to have performance clauses. Kids swinging the hammer too effortlessly at this point.

[@ttmed2007]

Needs to fix the o line. They are playing out of line.

[@p.b.9428]

A few years back I heard a football analyst (don’t recall who) talk about the downward spiral of 4/5-star players that transfer 3 or more times. He used data to point this out and it was stunning. They literally got LESS playing time each time they transferred. Keep in mind these were “legit” players out of HS. His guess was that because of feeling entitled, they never worked as hard as they thought they had to. In their mind they were already “made” - just like the mob.

[@gauch007]

I think that offense is ran through Brach who is a great athlete but in his second year is not that player. Not like adore, juju, woods.

[@courtneybrown4871]

Can't have a good defense with a fast paced offense..the defense is better..so no need for a 20 yard play on every position..if you do that..then your defense gets tired.keep the pace.. it'll work itself out

[@traxiii]

USC has played in 4 games and has only played well in 1 first half. Not only would they have beaten Michigan, but would have killed both LSU and Wisconsin if they played well in all 4 quarters. I've written in a couple forums that maybe they need to scrimmage in the parking lot for 20 minutes before each game. I think getting to Ann Arbor on Friday evening instead of on Thursday didn't help, they looked and played drowsy. Had they gotten so used to playing till after midnight on Pac12 after dark that they can't wake up for a noon start? FTFO!✌

[@ttmed2007]

Moss is better in the pocket. He needs 2 more extra seconds.

[@m.pitt765]

Go Pitt!💛💙

[@LeonS-py2mp]

Tony, #9 Owes

[@FredVlasuk]

For years we begged and pleaded to get better defensively, and now we have with an amazing defensive staff and now we complain about the OFFENSE!! Really?? Cmon.. They have played LSU, Michigan and Wisconsin so far. Not exactly sclubs like alot of teams have to pad the offensive stats and make themselves look great. Ex. Mississippi. Averaged 55 points PPG against puss then played Kentucky at home and put up a whopping 17.. They are in a new conference that stresses defense and physicality and we are adjusting to it. No more Arizona St and Cal etc..They'll get there. Still averaging 28 PPG against traditionally good defensive teams..Pretty good if you have a good defensive team, which I think they have. I'd rather have a good offense with a potential to be explosive with the players they have, and a very good defense which can get even better, than a great offense and a horrific defense which we all saw last year and before.. I do agree we have to start better and can't keep digging holes. That's on the coaching staff. Hopefully they figure that out. And also, great second half adjustments and production so far, which is what you want from your coaching staff and team. They are one of the best teams in the nation so far in second half scoring at around +80. That was always a hallmark of the Pete Carroll teams. So I'll take where we are right now, but hope for some improvements in certain areas like you stated..

[@paulk.4261]

Re: Bear...I'm sure he can afford his own private practice facility and a private workout and drills coach with all tht NIL money he took from USC. Good luck, bud.

[@Unisouthcentral]

Miller average in most games is 7 yards a pass only once has he thrown more on average was against LSU Lincoln is protecting miller with the play call maiava would change the offense because he’s more dynamic he’s mobile bigger body stronger arm you put maiava in defenses are gonna have to worry about him running and the deep ball

[@Unisouthcentral]

Miller inability to stretch the field with his arm is the problem nobody is scared of us going deep he is Mr check down each pass goes for an average of 7 yards

[@LockedOnUSC]

You can’t just throw deep when you only have one second to throw.

[@Unisouthcentral]

@@LockedOnUSC you also can’t do it when your arm strength isn’t the best

[@LockedOnUSC]

@@Unisouthcentral No one is asking Miller to throw the ball 60-70 yards in the air...that happens maybe once in a game anyway because you still need time to let the receiver get downfield which is the point. Don't want to hear the guff that Miller's arm strength can't throw the deep ball.

[@jayrod1980]

It’s because the o line play is bad!

[@m.pitt765]

Not Worried about Pinn St.. Joe Pa's Lions Are'nt that Good.

[@kohala1815]

Mmmmmmm……Canter’s

[@patrickwelch1010]

It's over for bear move on

[@brianjacob8728]

defense first is best, but this is not intentional. riley is not an offensive genius.

[@austinloughran3277]

Do your homework. Riley has had a top 5 offense pretty much his whole career

[@MrHBALLER55]

What?! 🤣🤣🤣 please name 5 play callers you would consider an offensive genius then

[@likejames1074]

😂 not your best episode

[@TMorgan2]

Time to MAN-UP Little Bear! Sorry little buddy, but life IS HARD and NOT FAIR!

[@robertkolesnik3982]

Fight On!